Featuring astonishing innovations in concrete, 100% Design South Africa 2016 presents new ways to shape the built environment

A must for architects, industrial and interior designers, this year’s 100% Design South Africa put all the right building blocks in place to stimulate and inspire trade professionals who focus on exterior and interior construction. One of the many highlights of the 2016 event was the carefully curated 100% Concrete Lab, presented by PPCGroupServices (Pty) Ltd, the leading supplier of cement in southern Africa.

The forward-thinking 100% Concrete Lab was a new addition to the show, and focuses on exciting innovations in the world of cement – with anything from 3D-printed cement to translucent concrete being presented as the design possibilities and materials of the very near future. The aim of the lab is to stimulate experimentation and new thinking around the use of concrete.

“Innovation is recognised by PPC as a key driver for economic growth and development and to provide solutions to the key issues facing people, communities and our country as we all strive for a better and more sustainable future – a “Better Life for All”, says PPC’s resident architect Daniel van der Merwe. “It also allows PPC to promote the use of concrete as a design material and encourage experimentation using Portland Cement in South Africa.”

One of the main features of the lab was a selected display of pieces created by the Finalists and Winners of this year’s PPC Imaginarium Awards. The primary aim of the PPC Imaginarium Awards is to recognise and feature innovation and design using Portland Cement-based concrete as a primary inspiration or material across six disciplines: Architecture, Fashion, Sculpture, Jewellery, Industrial Design and Film. The Awards are unique in that they incentivize, award, nurture, profile and assist un-established South African artists and designers in establishing their careers.

Extraordinary pieces on display included a fully functional fob watch, life-size sculptures, concrete ball gowns and even jewel-like necklaces made of lightweight cement…

The 100% Concrete Lab ran for the duration of 100% Design South Africa, which took place at Gallagher Convention Centre, from 5-9 August 2016 alongside Decorex Joburg.